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Forbidden #1-3
Forbidden
Everything about Fiona is forbidden.
She’s a party girl with dark desires.
She’s beautiful, irresponsible, irresistible.
She’s my patient.
I’m her therapist.
I’m past wanting her. Past possessing her. Past bedding her or protecting her.
I’m willing to be self-destructive, negligent, brave, audacious, and stronger than I ever believed possible.
She’s blunt force trauma to the heart.
And she calls another man Master.
-----
This book contains Kick, Use, and Break from the Perdition Series. It is the ENTIRE STORY with a complete beginning, middle and end.
If you read Kick and Use, Break is easily found in the table of contents, and it's a full length novel.
She’s a party girl with dark desires.
She’s beautiful, irresponsible, irresistible.
She’s my patient.
I’m her therapist.
I’m past wanting her. Past possessing her. Past bedding her or protecting her.
I’m willing to be self-destructive, negligent, brave, audacious, and stronger than I ever believed possible.
She’s blunt force trauma to the heart.
And she calls another man Master.
-----
This book contains Kick, Use, and Break from the Perdition Series. It is the ENTIRE STORY with a complete beginning, middle and end.
If you read Kick and Use, Break is easily found in the table of contents, and it's a full length novel.
600 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2015
723 people are currently reading
2,770 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Reiss
113 books9,561 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
December 9, 2015
It's LIVE!
✮✮✮AVAILABLE FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED✮✮✮ or here--> * Amazon US * Amazon UK *
Forbidden is the complete story of Fiona Drazen from the beginning, until the very end. The story is told in three sections, KICK, USE and then the climax, and the part many have been anticipating... BREAK, all available as one glorious STANDALONE entitled FORBIDDEN.
It would be nigh on impossible for me to explain all the story details and nuances depicted in FORBIDDEN and truly, any story is best experienced as it unfolds but I will endeavour to shed light on the brilliance of emotion and feelings that this story evokes and the characters who are portrayed with style, heart and charm.
This is not a hearts and flowers romance, it’s a story about Fiona Drazen a rich party girl and her relationship with Deacon, Elliot, life and love, the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Fiona's life spirals out of control; she's completely lost her way in life and finds herself at rock bottom within the confines of a mental institution. The story begins to unfold with hypnotherapy sessions where Doctor Elliot Chapman and Fiona take centre stage. Through these sessions we see glimpses of the past between her and Deacon, the man whom is her master. Her celebutante life style and all it en-tales for her continues to play out as the perspective in the middle section of the book toggles between Elliot and Fiona, giving true insight into this male character and what he has to offer a woman like Fiona.
As the story arc progresses both the past and present are explored. We witness the healthy and the unhealthy and journey through the choices made, the choices open to her and the choices taken savagely from her. This author depicts Fiona's story with picture perfect clarity, which at times can make for uncomfortable reading. As a reader we may not always agree but we’ll feel our way through this emotive, gut wrenching story steeped in raw grit and sensational writing.
Deacon is her charismatic, dominant master and Elliot is her caring doctor. There's much debate over who is the most suitable man for Fiona in terms of the male protagonists but, for me, this story belongs to the heroine and it's her happiness that becomes the focal point. Fiona lives her life, and survives the only way she knows how. She's a girl who needs to be loved, adored and healed in a way that suits her character. I felt her hurt, her pain, her struggles, her helpless frustration, anguish and degradation. At times the story is heartbreaking, intense and despicable, but she's so very brave in her approach which in itself is satisfying to read. Her depiction as the eternal party girl on a path of self destruction is portrayed with light and shade in an engaging heart capturing and unique way. She's a spirited and extremely loyal lady whose experiences have shaped her existence. She needs to heal, to release her demons. Not until she does this will she know the difference between what she really wants and what she thinks she deserves? I believe all she’s suffered, all she continues to experience and all her addictions, there’s so much truth and plausible motivation. There's no sugar coated sweetness to FORBIDDEN, there's hard hitting subjects, including rape, drugs and sex addiction. It's raw, gritty and sometimes uncomfortable in the telling but through all the despair and sadness I felt a delicate lacing of hope and erotic lusciousness that kept me ADDICTED to her story until the very end.
The balance of emotion concerning the antagonist, what that person does, people’s reactions, the way Fiona is broken but brave is just exquisitely executed with subtle drama and nuance of emotion. The motivation for each and every character is on point.
I cannot express enough the sheer quality of the prose which engages and challenges the heart and mind of the reader. The story pushes boundaries of comfort, it takes risks. I began this story when the author originally published KICK and USE as single novellas and whilst waiting for BREAK, I wondered how CD Reiss would develop the story arc with plausibility whilst giving me the flavour of climactic story I crave as reader. But let me impart that this author nailed it. A story that witnesses Fiona, the supporting cast and indeed the entire story arc develop as layer after layer of raw grit and beauty are weaved intrinsically through each page, each chapter until we reach the very final page and comprehend all that has happened. There are nuggets of brilliance all the way to the end concerning Fiona, Deacon and Elliot and the entire Drazen clan. I crave books with substance and CD REISS provides a story with huge depth that at times blew my mind putting her firmly as a writing-great.
The climax of the final section of FORBIDDEN, the aspect many readers will be interested in, gave me the chills. The poignancy of Fiona’s ending, her choice, understanding, feeling and realisations made my heart swell and my tears flow. To me it mattered not who she chose but her reasons and motivation for that choice. I wanted, more than anything, for her to be happy and find her inner peace. This story personifies the power of love and what the perfect kind of pure love can do for a person. The only way you'll know exactly what I'm referring to is to read FORBIDDEN from start to finish. Experience the darkness and then bask in the light of Fiona's story.
Find out how FORBIDDEN came to be
Advanced copy received from the author for my honest review thoughts
*Teasers made with stock image purchases from deposit photos*
✮✮✮AVAILABLE FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED✮✮✮ or here--> * Amazon US * Amazon UK *
Forbidden is the complete story of Fiona Drazen from the beginning, until the very end. The story is told in three sections, KICK, USE and then the climax, and the part many have been anticipating... BREAK, all available as one glorious STANDALONE entitled FORBIDDEN.
It would be nigh on impossible for me to explain all the story details and nuances depicted in FORBIDDEN and truly, any story is best experienced as it unfolds but I will endeavour to shed light on the brilliance of emotion and feelings that this story evokes and the characters who are portrayed with style, heart and charm.
This is not a hearts and flowers romance, it’s a story about Fiona Drazen a rich party girl and her relationship with Deacon, Elliot, life and love, the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Fiona's life spirals out of control; she's completely lost her way in life and finds herself at rock bottom within the confines of a mental institution. The story begins to unfold with hypnotherapy sessions where Doctor Elliot Chapman and Fiona take centre stage. Through these sessions we see glimpses of the past between her and Deacon, the man whom is her master. Her celebutante life style and all it en-tales for her continues to play out as the perspective in the middle section of the book toggles between Elliot and Fiona, giving true insight into this male character and what he has to offer a woman like Fiona.
As the story arc progresses both the past and present are explored. We witness the healthy and the unhealthy and journey through the choices made, the choices open to her and the choices taken savagely from her. This author depicts Fiona's story with picture perfect clarity, which at times can make for uncomfortable reading. As a reader we may not always agree but we’ll feel our way through this emotive, gut wrenching story steeped in raw grit and sensational writing.
Deacon is her charismatic, dominant master and Elliot is her caring doctor. There's much debate over who is the most suitable man for Fiona in terms of the male protagonists but, for me, this story belongs to the heroine and it's her happiness that becomes the focal point. Fiona lives her life, and survives the only way she knows how. She's a girl who needs to be loved, adored and healed in a way that suits her character. I felt her hurt, her pain, her struggles, her helpless frustration, anguish and degradation. At times the story is heartbreaking, intense and despicable, but she's so very brave in her approach which in itself is satisfying to read. Her depiction as the eternal party girl on a path of self destruction is portrayed with light and shade in an engaging heart capturing and unique way. She's a spirited and extremely loyal lady whose experiences have shaped her existence. She needs to heal, to release her demons. Not until she does this will she know the difference between what she really wants and what she thinks she deserves? I believe all she’s suffered, all she continues to experience and all her addictions, there’s so much truth and plausible motivation. There's no sugar coated sweetness to FORBIDDEN, there's hard hitting subjects, including rape, drugs and sex addiction. It's raw, gritty and sometimes uncomfortable in the telling but through all the despair and sadness I felt a delicate lacing of hope and erotic lusciousness that kept me ADDICTED to her story until the very end.
The balance of emotion concerning the antagonist, what that person does, people’s reactions, the way Fiona is broken but brave is just exquisitely executed with subtle drama and nuance of emotion. The motivation for each and every character is on point.
I cannot express enough the sheer quality of the prose which engages and challenges the heart and mind of the reader. The story pushes boundaries of comfort, it takes risks. I began this story when the author originally published KICK and USE as single novellas and whilst waiting for BREAK, I wondered how CD Reiss would develop the story arc with plausibility whilst giving me the flavour of climactic story I crave as reader. But let me impart that this author nailed it. A story that witnesses Fiona, the supporting cast and indeed the entire story arc develop as layer after layer of raw grit and beauty are weaved intrinsically through each page, each chapter until we reach the very final page and comprehend all that has happened. There are nuggets of brilliance all the way to the end concerning Fiona, Deacon and Elliot and the entire Drazen clan. I crave books with substance and CD REISS provides a story with huge depth that at times blew my mind putting her firmly as a writing-great.
The climax of the final section of FORBIDDEN, the aspect many readers will be interested in, gave me the chills. The poignancy of Fiona’s ending, her choice, understanding, feeling and realisations made my heart swell and my tears flow. To me it mattered not who she chose but her reasons and motivation for that choice. I wanted, more than anything, for her to be happy and find her inner peace. This story personifies the power of love and what the perfect kind of pure love can do for a person. The only way you'll know exactly what I'm referring to is to read FORBIDDEN from start to finish. Experience the darkness and then bask in the light of Fiona's story.
Find out how FORBIDDEN came to be
Advanced copy received from the author for my honest review thoughts
*Teasers made with stock image purchases from deposit photos*
November 29, 2015
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
This is a difficult book to review. I read it as it was released in serial format along with many other readers, but for the sake of those starting this as a standalone, you are in for a treat. No wait. No longing. No tireless nights of thinking about all of the possibilities.
You can read my thoughts on each installment by checking out the links at the end of this review.
Fiona Drazen is a hot mess. She is a party girl, out of control and a bit of a sexual deviant. She wakes up with no memory of why she stabbed her lover. But she knows that Deacon will come for her. He won’t let her stay locked away. Elliot, as her therapist isn’t going to just tell her what she did, he’s going to make her face her own memories. We are given a taste of the start of Deacon and Fiona. A man that has guided her into her submission. A man that reels her back in after she self-destructs. A man who loves how broken she is. But then we meet Elliot. A man who finds himself lusting for this woman. One he shouldn’t want. It’s unethical and goes against everything he stands for. But he sees her. He sees past her behaviors, her drug abuse, all the sex and sees so much more. To him, she is not simply a woman made up of her poor choices. She is not worthless, she is simply worth it.
But what will happen when Fiona leaves the walls of her institution? How many times can she be built back up and broken down by Deacon and survive? Will Elliot be able to control his desire and lust for her enough to maintain his role in her life? Will Fiona let him remain professional when all she wants if for him to give in?
Will Fiona finally take control of her own life, her own choices?
I love Fiona. I loved watching her grow, gain her own form of control over her life. Her evolution from start to finish was breathtaking.
There is not a single thing in this story I did not love.
Every word.
Every sentence.
Every paragraph.
Every page.
Every chapter.
Start to finish.
I don't think any other book has left me feeling this particular way. Like I could feel it in my blood as I read it. It punched me in the gut with the smallest of things, in the biggest of ways. Ruin has been my favorite of your books for the longest time and Fiona is one of my favorite of the Drazen clan - I think the talent that is shown in this book is beyond fucking measure.
My heart was racing. This is one of those types of books. The kind that doesn't allow you not to feel every word. Every moment. It will rip it right out of you. I can feel this story in my veins. I am being wrung dry and have a feeling that by the time this experience is over I am going to be a sopping wet mess on the floor. Boneless. The final segment of this book. The moment Fiona enters back into the real world, I could not hold back the emotions. Watching her grow, brought me to tears. I loved Elliot. I loved Deacon. For Elliot, I loved watching him own his feelings. Break through his own head. But Deacon. My heart broke for him. He was this broken sort of man. Stuck living a life because his past shaped his future. He lost. He took. But he gave as well. Both men gave Fiona something she needed. Purpose and worth. By the end of this story I was a puddle of both tears and lust.
I think you can tell from my previous reviews of this writer that I adore her. There is no other writer out there that can match her style. She manipulates the words, bends them, shaping the scenes to deliver such beauty. From the smallest of details to the biggest reveals, it all matters. Simple lines delivered with such power behind them. No other author gives their books such life.
Of all the books I’ve read from this author, Forbidden just became my favorite. I did not think she could top the story she delivered in Ruin (Book two of the Corruption Series), but she did. The writing was absolutely brilliant. Stunning in its delivery.
Whether you start this journey with Jonathan, Teresa or Fiona, you’ll find yourself obsessed with the Drazen clan. Read this. Read all of her books. You will not be disappointed. It will change your outlook on what Erotica should be. How it should be written. Nothing will ever compare to her words. Her books. They are simply the best this genre has to offer.
Forbidden is the full length story of Fiona Drazen which was originally released as a three part novella.
You can read the individual reviews here:
My 5 Star review of KICK.
My 5 Star review of USE.
My 5 Star review of BREAK.
This is a difficult book to review. I read it as it was released in serial format along with many other readers, but for the sake of those starting this as a standalone, you are in for a treat. No wait. No longing. No tireless nights of thinking about all of the possibilities.
You can read my thoughts on each installment by checking out the links at the end of this review.
Fiona Drazen is a hot mess. She is a party girl, out of control and a bit of a sexual deviant. She wakes up with no memory of why she stabbed her lover. But she knows that Deacon will come for her. He won’t let her stay locked away. Elliot, as her therapist isn’t going to just tell her what she did, he’s going to make her face her own memories. We are given a taste of the start of Deacon and Fiona. A man that has guided her into her submission. A man that reels her back in after she self-destructs. A man who loves how broken she is. But then we meet Elliot. A man who finds himself lusting for this woman. One he shouldn’t want. It’s unethical and goes against everything he stands for. But he sees her. He sees past her behaviors, her drug abuse, all the sex and sees so much more. To him, she is not simply a woman made up of her poor choices. She is not worthless, she is simply worth it.
But what will happen when Fiona leaves the walls of her institution? How many times can she be built back up and broken down by Deacon and survive? Will Elliot be able to control his desire and lust for her enough to maintain his role in her life? Will Fiona let him remain professional when all she wants if for him to give in?
Will Fiona finally take control of her own life, her own choices?
I love Fiona. I loved watching her grow, gain her own form of control over her life. Her evolution from start to finish was breathtaking.
There is not a single thing in this story I did not love.
Every word.
Every sentence.
Every paragraph.
Every page.
Every chapter.
Start to finish.
I don't think any other book has left me feeling this particular way. Like I could feel it in my blood as I read it. It punched me in the gut with the smallest of things, in the biggest of ways. Ruin has been my favorite of your books for the longest time and Fiona is one of my favorite of the Drazen clan - I think the talent that is shown in this book is beyond fucking measure.
My heart was racing. This is one of those types of books. The kind that doesn't allow you not to feel every word. Every moment. It will rip it right out of you. I can feel this story in my veins. I am being wrung dry and have a feeling that by the time this experience is over I am going to be a sopping wet mess on the floor. Boneless. The final segment of this book. The moment Fiona enters back into the real world, I could not hold back the emotions. Watching her grow, brought me to tears. I loved Elliot. I loved Deacon. For Elliot, I loved watching him own his feelings. Break through his own head. But Deacon. My heart broke for him. He was this broken sort of man. Stuck living a life because his past shaped his future. He lost. He took. But he gave as well. Both men gave Fiona something she needed. Purpose and worth. By the end of this story I was a puddle of both tears and lust.
I think you can tell from my previous reviews of this writer that I adore her. There is no other writer out there that can match her style. She manipulates the words, bends them, shaping the scenes to deliver such beauty. From the smallest of details to the biggest reveals, it all matters. Simple lines delivered with such power behind them. No other author gives their books such life.
Of all the books I’ve read from this author, Forbidden just became my favorite. I did not think she could top the story she delivered in Ruin (Book two of the Corruption Series), but she did. The writing was absolutely brilliant. Stunning in its delivery.
Whether you start this journey with Jonathan, Teresa or Fiona, you’ll find yourself obsessed with the Drazen clan. Read this. Read all of her books. You will not be disappointed. It will change your outlook on what Erotica should be. How it should be written. Nothing will ever compare to her words. Her books. They are simply the best this genre has to offer.
Forbidden is the full length story of Fiona Drazen which was originally released as a three part novella.
You can read the individual reviews here:
My 5 Star review of KICK.
My 5 Star review of USE.
My 5 Star review of BREAK.
Read
September 8, 2016 3-4-5 STARS
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This is one of those books that you will either love or hate .And what's more it's difficult to review. I should say first that I loved the writing! The story is compelling and you can't stop yourself from wanting to read more and more and see how this story will continue.
Fiona isn't the best heroine and she isn't perfect but she intrigued me and I wanted to know her better. She isn't your usual heroine actually I think she is so different from the heroines I have meet in other books I have read so far. Deacon and Elliot are no exception.
We have Deacon who is her Master and Elliot who is her therapist..But which one is perfect for her? With flashbacks we see how she meets Deacon. And what kind of man he is. And on the other hand we have Elliot who sees who she really is and he wants her if this isn't right.
This isn't an easy book in my opinion but I loved that I could feel everything!I'm sure that fans of CD Reiss will love it!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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This is one of those books that you will either love or hate .And what's more it's difficult to review. I should say first that I loved the writing! The story is compelling and you can't stop yourself from wanting to read more and more and see how this story will continue.
Fiona isn't the best heroine and she isn't perfect but she intrigued me and I wanted to know her better. She isn't your usual heroine actually I think she is so different from the heroines I have meet in other books I have read so far. Deacon and Elliot are no exception.
We have Deacon who is her Master and Elliot who is her therapist..But which one is perfect for her? With flashbacks we see how she meets Deacon. And what kind of man he is. And on the other hand we have Elliot who sees who she really is and he wants her if this isn't right.
This isn't an easy book in my opinion but I loved that I could feel everything!I'm sure that fans of CD Reiss will love it!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
Being Worthy of Love Stars * * * * *
We see those in the Media posing for the cameras, pimping products and themselves...it has become an industry of sorts... a bogus profession which has corrupted young minds into thinking this is what they should strive for...
To be a Celebrity...to be famous for being famous...
A perfect example of this type is the infamous Kim...See, I don't need to write the last name because you know automatically who I am referring to...This woman with her savvy mom-manager exploited a negative situation Kim was experiencing with a sex tape and turned it into the vehicle to launch the mega career of Kim and the rest of the family.
Now I will never take away the business artistry of this manager... but I will say her pimping her family to the level of it "Jumping the Shark" years ago does not ring right with me....Because it hearkens back to " being famous" without merit... no real talent or accomplishments.
Now the other type of famous for no real accomplishment other than birth has been the debutantes...These are children of Society... of those who had long family trees or families of great wealth... old money. These men and women would be groomed and then "presented to their peers" in a grand manner of a Debutante Ball much like in all those Historical Romance novels...It is a way for these families to keep the circle tight.
These children are photographed and become famous, too... many do have accomplished talents and careers on their own and deserve all the recognition they receive... Others have indulged in reckless behavior, without purpose for many reasons...and acting out in public is just a by product of their internal issues.
Jamie Johnson heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune did a very controversial documentary, Born Rich, which addresses these issues of extreme money and those who have it http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/12/sty...
All of this factors into the journey of Fiona in Forbidden. She has become the "celebutante" the paparazzi love to capture in all of her wildest moments. She has run the gamete of every taboo ...and has done it publicly without any false shame or excuses.
The first two books of this grouping showed us the path which lead Fiona to Westonwood, a chi chi mental facility where the privileged go to either work on getting rid of whatever addiction they have, be sent there and pretend they are fulfilling their court ordered time or use it as a weigh station and hide for awhile.
Fiona endured her stay and just before she was scheduled to leave, she experienced something which would change her forever...make her recognize she had worth and was to be treated differently then she thought all this time.
Part of why she would be able to come to this conclusion was her sessions with a Dr. Elliot. As her therapist, these two embarked on a journey both of them didn't intend. Fiona was shocked by the impact he had on her...making her aware of more things and wants...things she wasn't sure she deserved...Dr. Elliot was shaken by what Fiona brought out in him...and she awakened a need stronger than anything he ever had since becoming a therapist.
These two are connected... and it plays out along with the ties that bind Fiona to her Master Deacon. Deacon, the one who took this woman and gave her safety by breaking her down... by allowing her to become a vessel, a body to use with her full consent.
But after all of the therapy with Elliot and the critical experience at Westonwood, Fiona has changed...and in this last part of the trilogy, she emerges stronger yet also vulnerable in her desire to protect those she cares for.
The way all of this plays out keeps you locked and loaded... locked to the reading... loaded with emotions. This is not an easy read but it is a complete one. It takes you on a journey full of erotic, intense experiences.... full of introspective thoughts and questions with many types of answers.
C.D. Reiss readers will know of this Dresden family from her other series, Songs of Submission. It provides another layer of pleasure in the reading. It is not required for this... only enhances it.
I am not primarily a dark reader...but there are certain authors I will read who have the chops to write it. C.D. Reiss is one of them. As I have detailed in my reviews of Kick and Use below, Ms. Reiss writes word movies for the mind. She does phrasing of details which will stay with you long after you have finished her books. She will ask questions through her stories which will haunt you personally... for the writing is at a level where it connects personally...
Those who have not read the books individually are very lucky to have them all together like this...It will be an experience you won't soon forget.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
I am going to the place where I will be tested...
where sugarplum fairies and lolly-pops don't exist.
I will be treated to captivating writing and ideas which causes one to ponder while reading.
All done by the talented C.D. Reiss in Forbidden, the full experience of the Songs of Perdition, 1-3.
In their previous lives, Book one was Kick
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and Book 2 was Use
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now all parts are together... with the new and closing entry, Break...
I hope I don't...
A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
We see those in the Media posing for the cameras, pimping products and themselves...it has become an industry of sorts... a bogus profession which has corrupted young minds into thinking this is what they should strive for...
To be a Celebrity...to be famous for being famous...
A perfect example of this type is the infamous Kim...See, I don't need to write the last name because you know automatically who I am referring to...This woman with her savvy mom-manager exploited a negative situation Kim was experiencing with a sex tape and turned it into the vehicle to launch the mega career of Kim and the rest of the family.
Now I will never take away the business artistry of this manager... but I will say her pimping her family to the level of it "Jumping the Shark" years ago does not ring right with me....Because it hearkens back to " being famous" without merit... no real talent or accomplishments.
Now the other type of famous for no real accomplishment other than birth has been the debutantes...These are children of Society... of those who had long family trees or families of great wealth... old money. These men and women would be groomed and then "presented to their peers" in a grand manner of a Debutante Ball much like in all those Historical Romance novels...It is a way for these families to keep the circle tight.
These children are photographed and become famous, too... many do have accomplished talents and careers on their own and deserve all the recognition they receive... Others have indulged in reckless behavior, without purpose for many reasons...and acting out in public is just a by product of their internal issues.
Jamie Johnson heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune did a very controversial documentary, Born Rich, which addresses these issues of extreme money and those who have it http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/12/sty...
All of this factors into the journey of Fiona in Forbidden. She has become the "celebutante" the paparazzi love to capture in all of her wildest moments. She has run the gamete of every taboo ...and has done it publicly without any false shame or excuses.
The first two books of this grouping showed us the path which lead Fiona to Westonwood, a chi chi mental facility where the privileged go to either work on getting rid of whatever addiction they have, be sent there and pretend they are fulfilling their court ordered time or use it as a weigh station and hide for awhile.
Fiona endured her stay and just before she was scheduled to leave, she experienced something which would change her forever...make her recognize she had worth and was to be treated differently then she thought all this time.
Part of why she would be able to come to this conclusion was her sessions with a Dr. Elliot. As her therapist, these two embarked on a journey both of them didn't intend. Fiona was shocked by the impact he had on her...making her aware of more things and wants...things she wasn't sure she deserved...Dr. Elliot was shaken by what Fiona brought out in him...and she awakened a need stronger than anything he ever had since becoming a therapist.
These two are connected... and it plays out along with the ties that bind Fiona to her Master Deacon. Deacon, the one who took this woman and gave her safety by breaking her down... by allowing her to become a vessel, a body to use with her full consent.
But after all of the therapy with Elliot and the critical experience at Westonwood, Fiona has changed...and in this last part of the trilogy, she emerges stronger yet also vulnerable in her desire to protect those she cares for.
The way all of this plays out keeps you locked and loaded... locked to the reading... loaded with emotions. This is not an easy read but it is a complete one. It takes you on a journey full of erotic, intense experiences.... full of introspective thoughts and questions with many types of answers.
C.D. Reiss readers will know of this Dresden family from her other series, Songs of Submission. It provides another layer of pleasure in the reading. It is not required for this... only enhances it.
I am not primarily a dark reader...but there are certain authors I will read who have the chops to write it. C.D. Reiss is one of them. As I have detailed in my reviews of Kick and Use below, Ms. Reiss writes word movies for the mind. She does phrasing of details which will stay with you long after you have finished her books. She will ask questions through her stories which will haunt you personally... for the writing is at a level where it connects personally...
Those who have not read the books individually are very lucky to have them all together like this...It will be an experience you won't soon forget.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
I am going to the place where I will be tested...
where sugarplum fairies and lolly-pops don't exist.
I will be treated to captivating writing and ideas which causes one to ponder while reading.
All done by the talented C.D. Reiss in Forbidden, the full experience of the Songs of Perdition, 1-3.
In their previous lives, Book one was Kick
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and Book 2 was Use
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now all parts are together... with the new and closing entry, Break...
I hope I don't...
A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 3, 2015
4.25 Stars!
I'd started the Songs of Perdition series when it was originally slotted as a serial. Having read the first two of the three books, I was pleased Ms. Reiss chose the single standalone novel instead. This is a pretty all-consuming plot-line with a fair amount of depth and I found myself re-reading it in its entirety so I could attach myself to the story wholeheartedly again. I'm happy I did.
Forbidden (Songs of Perdition 1-3) is Fiona Drazen's story. Having been well acclimated to the massive Drazen clan from reading both Songs of Submission and Songs of Corruption I knew that Fiona was a bit of a black sheep of the family. Growing up one of eight children, from old money, Fiona never seemed to have much of a drive other than to be wealthy, party, and let the paparazzi chase her around. With the party lifestyle comes a drive for kink and a need for dominance...for someone to take control from her otherwise chaotic lifestyle. Deacon is her Master and finally gives her the security she needs while her life spirals out of control.
And then she wakes in a mental hospital. No memory. Just being told she tried to kill her Master by stabbing him. Her psychologist Elliott Chapman tries to unravel the mystery within her psyche.
Reiss constructs a story where details of that fateful night are trickle fed. Fiona is a complete train wreck of a heroine, I must say. Drug addict, sex addict...nothing matters to her. The reader wants to be disgusted by the spoiled rich kid yet you can't help but feel she's an pitiful result of the life she'd been handed to her.
Dr. Elliott Chapman- I wasn't sure of him in the first two books in the series but as we gradually are taken through their relationship I couldn't help but feel he was the perfect person to heal her broken soul. To battle her demons for her. Yet there's Deacon, the Master, that owns her and she owns him. They have a connection but is it healthy? And who determines its not if it's their own brand of kink? I spent the entire book vacillating as to who is best for this broken women...if anyone.
What I love about this whole Songs of... sets of series' is that it's all Drazen clan. They all revolve around each other. Some timelines cross, some don't. This series takes place prior to SoS and SoC. I can't wait for where Ms Reiss next takes us. Which Drazon's story comes next?
Forbidden was an all-around erotic, suspenseful novel with a heroine that may push a reader's boundaries a bit. I can't say that I liked Fiona much. I'm saddened for her more than anything. Yet through it all, I found myself praying she would see the light through the darkness of her ways. Yet every time a trickle of light came through for her, it seemed snuffed it out. Stand up, brush off the dirt, move on. And that's what she did. A perfect ending. A lovely epilogue. Reiss never fails me in her poetic prose and erotic depth of plot-lines. Bravo!
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2016
Opening pledge now…
Break begins right where Use ended with Fiona Drazen leaving Westonwood after the incident. The commanding and devastatingly handsome Deacon Bruce arrives at Westonwood to claim Fiona and take her home but Fiona is on hanging on a precipice and her next step will impact many in her life. As Fiona leaves, Dr. Elliot Chapman watches as Deacon possessively wraps his arm around her. (Ok, and that is moment that my nerves shuttered because how in the world is Fiona going to choose between these two men?) But Elliot is so smart and sexy just in a different way. Maybe I’m as crazy as Fiona because a ménage was a possible solution in my book. Lol.
With Deacon as Fiona’s master, her life with him is fairly straightforward – Fiona can do whatever she wants but then she is always Deacon’s property and under his protection. When she submits to him, Fiona doesn’t have to make any decisions. In contrast, with Elliot, he encourages her to take responsibility for her actions and recognize how it affects others in her life. This transition in Fiona is key to making the right decisions that affect her humanity. It seems as though Fiona’s journey may be an obvious one but Fiona is not known for choosing the path of least resistance.
“I want to be normal.” “Jesus Christ. You might as well want to be taller. Normal wasn’t the hand you were dealt.”
Adding to the tension is the looming repercussions of the incident at Westonwood. When these details are revealed by Fiona, certain forces are set in motion and I could not wait for a certain someone to gets his due. I was so hoping Fiona would stab him in the eye but I am very satisfied with the karmic retribution that bastard received.
In reading this final book of the series, my emotions ran the gamut of excitement, lust, disappointment, hurt, sadness, hope and love. As always, C.D.’s writing is engaging, concise and poignant. C.D. has such a connection with her characters that it shows in their development. On the surface, Fiona is a character that I would normally hate because her life is quite elitist and her actions are mostly selfish but from the beginning I liked her and I contribute that to C.D.’s grasp of her characters. With Fiona’s flaws, the reader is able to feel her vulnerability and you never stop rooting for her, as you want her to break through that façade.
"By our willingness to sacrifice for one another, we were joined by the ropes of our love and held fast by the knots of our hearts.”
The Drazen family as an entity is a character all by itself! This family is full of snobbery and old Hollywood money, but each of the siblings are so uniquely crafted and have their own strengths and weaknesses. I loved reading more about young Jonathan, especially knowing his sexy dominant future. As always, I love the moments when the Drazens “open pledge” because you know you’re going to get pure honesty no matter how f*ckd it may be. Of course, Margie remains to be the ultimate Dominatrix of her siblings and I would absolutely love to read more about how she evolved in her own book or series.
With the end the Songs of Perdition series, Fiona has come full circle and I am so satisfied with the ending. I highly recommend this series.
Songs of Perdition Series:
On Amazon, books 1-3 available as:
December 7, 2015
5 Perfectly Forbidden Stars!!!
Blunt force trauma to the heart. Jesus Christ. Yes it was! I think I died a thousand deaths reading Forbidden. CD Reiss annihilated me with her words. Repeatedly. Fiona Drazen’s journey stole my heart , tore at my guts and blew my mind with every page. I’m stunned. Just when I think she can’t top her last work of art, she completely blows me away.
This story. It pierced my heart. I didn’t want it to end. EVER. It is so different from her other books, I love them all. But there’s just something about Fiona’s story. I felt every emotion. Love. Desire. Heart ache and heart break. Devastation. Happiness. I felt them all. Bone deep. Deep, deep down. I felt those emotions for days. I still feel them now. That is just one of the many reasons why I love CD Reiss. You’re not just reading a story, you’re experiencing it. All of it, from beginning to end. You are literally immersed within the pages.
I fell in love with Fiona from the beginning of her crazy, tortured life adventure. She’s a broken but determined soul. A beautiful soul who evoked so many emotions from me throughout her entire journey. I loved her journey of self discovery, a broken girl reborn. I just wanted her to be happy. She so deserved it and I was cheering for her the entire time.
Along the way, Elliott captured and embraced me, not only because of his good looks and charm, but because of his willingness to love Fiona, without wanting to change her. He never gave up. He was determined to break all the rules, both morally and professionally to have what he knew in his heart she deserved. Happiness. God love him for it.
Deacon. My god. This man. He’s done amazing things for Fiona. To Fiona. He helped her in so many ways. He had my heart thumping from the moment I met him. Then he had it melting. And breaking. He’s so different from Elliott. But he captured my heart. He needs her and she needs him. So, who does she choose? Who is her happily ever after?
The epilogue was perfection. The icing on the already deliciously rich and sinfully sweet cake. Just when I thought my heart could not swell any bigger....BOOM. It exploded. The ending. Ahhh. I’m so thrilled with every word from the bottom of my heart. Fiona’s story will stick with me always. Forever. In my mind. In my heart. In my bones. In my soul. That is what I like to call The Reiss Experience. If you’ve not yet met Fiona Drazen, I highly recommend you do. Forbidden was everything. Every. Fucking. Thing. And Fiona? She’s unfuckingforgettable!
Blunt force trauma to the heart. Jesus Christ. Yes it was! I think I died a thousand deaths reading Forbidden. CD Reiss annihilated me with her words. Repeatedly. Fiona Drazen’s journey stole my heart , tore at my guts and blew my mind with every page. I’m stunned. Just when I think she can’t top her last work of art, she completely blows me away.
This story. It pierced my heart. I didn’t want it to end. EVER. It is so different from her other books, I love them all. But there’s just something about Fiona’s story. I felt every emotion. Love. Desire. Heart ache and heart break. Devastation. Happiness. I felt them all. Bone deep. Deep, deep down. I felt those emotions for days. I still feel them now. That is just one of the many reasons why I love CD Reiss. You’re not just reading a story, you’re experiencing it. All of it, from beginning to end. You are literally immersed within the pages.
I fell in love with Fiona from the beginning of her crazy, tortured life adventure. She’s a broken but determined soul. A beautiful soul who evoked so many emotions from me throughout her entire journey. I loved her journey of self discovery, a broken girl reborn. I just wanted her to be happy. She so deserved it and I was cheering for her the entire time.
Along the way, Elliott captured and embraced me, not only because of his good looks and charm, but because of his willingness to love Fiona, without wanting to change her. He never gave up. He was determined to break all the rules, both morally and professionally to have what he knew in his heart she deserved. Happiness. God love him for it.
Deacon. My god. This man. He’s done amazing things for Fiona. To Fiona. He helped her in so many ways. He had my heart thumping from the moment I met him. Then he had it melting. And breaking. He’s so different from Elliott. But he captured my heart. He needs her and she needs him. So, who does she choose? Who is her happily ever after?
The epilogue was perfection. The icing on the already deliciously rich and sinfully sweet cake. Just when I thought my heart could not swell any bigger....BOOM. It exploded. The ending. Ahhh. I’m so thrilled with every word from the bottom of my heart. Fiona’s story will stick with me always. Forever. In my mind. In my heart. In my bones. In my soul. That is what I like to call The Reiss Experience. If you’ve not yet met Fiona Drazen, I highly recommend you do. Forbidden was everything. Every. Fucking. Thing. And Fiona? She’s unfuckingforgettable!
Want to read
February 19, 2017
FREE on Amazon US today (2/17/2017)
Stand-alone (includes previously released book 1-3)
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Stan...
BLURB:
Everything about Fiona is forbidden.
She’s a party girl with dark desires.
She’s beautiful, irresponsible, irresistible.
She’s my patient.
I’m her therapist.
I’m past wanting her. Past possessing her. Past bedding her or protecting her.
I’m willing to be self-destructive, negligent, brave, audacious, and stronger than I ever believed possible.
She’s blunt force trauma to the heart.
And she calls another man Master.
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
February 3, 2016
5 Absolutely Perfect Stars
Forbidden.........a beautifully painful love story of coming full circle. This book is the full story of Fiona Drazen. It is composed of 3 books- KICK, USE, and BREAK. It's emotional, it's gripping, it's raw and it's exquisitely written. A story that will haunt you as you read by seeing the struggles and the pain and the desire to change against all odds.
Fiona Drazen is a woman navigating her own self destruction. Enter Deacon Bruce, her rescuer, her Dominant, her Master and the one she stabs. Dr Elliott Chapman is Fiona's therapist and maybe her pathway to change. This book is the journey of these 3 souls. It's not easy, it's not pretty, and it’s a push and pulls of dark and light and of who is the man for Fiona. Told in present and past, Fiona's life is tragic but she owns it all. She is strong yet fragile, she is destructive yet hopeful, she is dark yet she is light. She is addicted to the life of sex, drugs, Deacon and Elliott.......but 3 of the 4 must go.
I struggled with the 2 men in this book, each so different, yet each fulfilling a role that is needed in Fiona's life. Should Fiona be with Deacon or Elliott or maybe neither? Each one has their pluses and minuses and with each new chapter the intricacies of each man is further revealed. While the complexity of Fiona is fierce and wild, she knows she can't continue her destructive nature. But what does her heart tell her, can she leave her past behind and make a new start or will she be locked in her past? Where do Past, Present and Future Fiona become intertwined?
I will tell you that this story is melancholic throughout. It will suck you in and tear you to shreds. The writing of CD Reiss transforms you to another plane. It makes you feel the depth and breath of each character. You become mesmerized and transfixed to a level of sheer poetic ecstasy.
I LOVED the ending and it left me feeling complete. I had come full circle with Fiona and survived. The journey was questionable at times and downright brutal. But I came to understand her decisions and applauded her determination in the end.
So in the end, this story will make you feel, make you hurt and make you open your heart. A story of becoming true to oneself, of owning all your destructive qualities and eventually believing in oneself to find happiness. To be loved and to feel worthy of love. It's beautiful as it is tragic and it's a story that you must read and experience. For once you read a book by Christine Reiss; she will forever change your reading experience. Be prepared to feel with all your heart and all your senses and become entranced beyond measure in this amazing and epic journey.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for an honest review
Forbidden.........a beautifully painful love story of coming full circle. This book is the full story of Fiona Drazen. It is composed of 3 books- KICK, USE, and BREAK. It's emotional, it's gripping, it's raw and it's exquisitely written. A story that will haunt you as you read by seeing the struggles and the pain and the desire to change against all odds.
Fiona Drazen is a woman navigating her own self destruction. Enter Deacon Bruce, her rescuer, her Dominant, her Master and the one she stabs. Dr Elliott Chapman is Fiona's therapist and maybe her pathway to change. This book is the journey of these 3 souls. It's not easy, it's not pretty, and it’s a push and pulls of dark and light and of who is the man for Fiona. Told in present and past, Fiona's life is tragic but she owns it all. She is strong yet fragile, she is destructive yet hopeful, she is dark yet she is light. She is addicted to the life of sex, drugs, Deacon and Elliott.......but 3 of the 4 must go.
I struggled with the 2 men in this book, each so different, yet each fulfilling a role that is needed in Fiona's life. Should Fiona be with Deacon or Elliott or maybe neither? Each one has their pluses and minuses and with each new chapter the intricacies of each man is further revealed. While the complexity of Fiona is fierce and wild, she knows she can't continue her destructive nature. But what does her heart tell her, can she leave her past behind and make a new start or will she be locked in her past? Where do Past, Present and Future Fiona become intertwined?
I will tell you that this story is melancholic throughout. It will suck you in and tear you to shreds. The writing of CD Reiss transforms you to another plane. It makes you feel the depth and breath of each character. You become mesmerized and transfixed to a level of sheer poetic ecstasy.
I LOVED the ending and it left me feeling complete. I had come full circle with Fiona and survived. The journey was questionable at times and downright brutal. But I came to understand her decisions and applauded her determination in the end.
So in the end, this story will make you feel, make you hurt and make you open your heart. A story of becoming true to oneself, of owning all your destructive qualities and eventually believing in oneself to find happiness. To be loved and to feel worthy of love. It's beautiful as it is tragic and it's a story that you must read and experience. For once you read a book by Christine Reiss; she will forever change your reading experience. Be prepared to feel with all your heart and all your senses and become entranced beyond measure in this amazing and epic journey.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for an honest review
March 28, 2016
In Kick we meet Fiona, a socialite heiress with no claim to fame other than being famous. She’s in a mental ward, she’s a wreck and she’s not anyone that any normal person can relate to – right? Wrong. CD Reiss writes such wonderfully strong females that you start feeling for them from the start. This is written with flashbacks and it’s such a fascinating way to watch Fiona’s story unfold. There’s delicious tension between Fiona and her therapist Elliot. There’s a fascinating history with Fiona and her Dom Deacon. I wanted to know what was happening with Fiona in the past; in the present and even in the bathroom! ;D
In Use we find out more pieces to Fiona’s puzzle. She’s getting stronger. We see more of humanity, loyalty and her memory starts to return. The story of her history with Deacon is hot. We see more of Elliot’s life and I got so invested in these three characters, I couldn’t believe so much was woven in what was originally a serial format.
When I started reading Break I was so in love with all three of these characters. I was truly afraid of where this would go. I mean, there’s no way for everyone to walk away happy. Fiona’s is out and she’s broken away from her old world and trying to make it in a world where she no longer fits. She’s also dealing with a tragic event from Use. My heart hurt for her, Deacon and Elliot. CD Reiss packs so much in with these characters. Her writing is flawless. I always feel lucky to read anything she writes. She continually blows me away. Fiona Drazen triumphs over adversity and carves out an amazing new life for herself. I absolutely loved her story and can’t wait for more from the Drazens!
I feel lucky to read it and be part of the wonderful Goodreads Group CD Canaries. Thank God - No Thank CD Reiss for the Drazens!!!
December 1, 2015
****5++++ STARS****
CD Reiss has outdone herself with Forbidden, and I feel like hugging her for giving us such an amazing story and a character like Fiona Drazen. It's unlike anything out there and unlike anything Reiss has written before. So many times this story put me through the emotional meat grinder and punched me in the gut only to turn around and fill me with complete joy. It's emotionally devastating, psychologically intriguing, and equal parts agonizing and poignant. And it's a story that will stick with you long after you've finished it.
We've met numerous members of the Drazen family through Reiss’ other series, and here we get Fiona's story, and what a story it is. She's unapologetically sexual, an addict, and an in your face party girl with a self-destructive streak a mile wide. And she's a woman caught between two men who will go to any lengths to fight for her.
"Anyone can fuck you,” he said, fucking my mouth with his fingers. “I’m the only one who can break you.”
On one side is Deacon. Her lover, her Dom, her safe haven, and the man who owns her mind, body, and soul. He's the person who gives her boundaries and rules to ground her when she spirals out of control, and he's the man that knows how to break her down when she needs to be built back up.
On the other side is Dr. Elliot Chapman. When Fiona wakes up in a mental hospital for stabbing her boyfriend with no recollection of how or why it happened, Elliot is the therapist assigned to help her regain those memories as well as help her uncover the reasons for her self-destructive behavior. He's the man who sees beyond the bad choices and the celebutante status, and he sees her as more than just a pretty thing for men to fuck. But he's also a man who in some ways is just as lost as Fiona is, and it's through his sessions with her that Elliot has his own sort of sexual awakening when they both find themselves undeniably attracted to each other.
"I’m not too many men. I’m one man. And when I have you, Fiona, I’ll be sacrificing my career. So when I finally take you to bed, I won’t be changing my life for a little pussy. I’m changing it for a woman.”
The dynamics that Fiona has with each of these men is compelling in their own way, and even though I had a strong preference for who I thought was the right choice, I could see the value in both of them. Fiona is a character with a whole host of problems and through the first half of the book I wasn't sure who the best choice for her would be, or maybe neither of them were. Deacon is a force of nature that grounds Fiona when nothing else can, and he loves her not despite her flaws, but because of them. But does he love her the way that she needs? Is his love healthy for her or does it do more harm than good? If Deacon is a force of nature, then Elliot is the calm before the storm. He soothes her, calms her, and at the same time challenges her in ways no one else has. But is it love or lust that's driving him to her? Is she just an escape from his own disappointing life or is she worth losing everything for? Their relationship crossed so many ethical lines and maybe that's what I loved most about it, the fact that it was so forbidden and wrong in so many ways, and yet so natural that their attraction was almost inevitable. Each of them filled a void that the other needed.
It's a story that doesn't have easy answers but what makes it so remarkable is that I was so invested in Fiona as a character that, while I loved Elliot (and I love him fiercely and unabashedly), I didn't mind who she ended up with as long as she was happy in the end. Every interaction, every emotion, every word they uttered was filtered through the lense of “how does this affect Fiona?” On the surface it may seem like a triangle, but really it's Fiona’s journey from a self-described junkie sex addict undeserving of love to a person who discovers her own self worth.
“Crazy as it was, he loved me. Of all the world’s gifts, that was the greatest, and I wasn’t going to decide I didn’t deserve it. Only he could decide that, and if he said I was good enough for him, I wouldn’t argue otherwise.”
It’s a credit to Reiss as a writer that she could have me so engaged in the fate of a fictional character to the point that I agonized over it. Everything about this book was emotional, but it wasn't the flowery, purple prose kind of emotion. It was distinctly visceral and gut wrenching, and also intensely erotic. I read the first two parts of Forbidden over a year ago when it was first conceived as a serial, and I felt like I'd been holding my breath ever since waiting for the end of Fiona’s journey, and I didn't release that breath till the very last word of the epilogue. Luckily, Reiss has decided to release the entirety of Songs of Perdition as a standalone, and anyone who hasn't read it before can experience Fiona Drazen in all of her messy glory at once without the waiting, and she is totally worth it. She along with CD Reiss are truly one of a kind.
CD Reiss has outdone herself with Forbidden, and I feel like hugging her for giving us such an amazing story and a character like Fiona Drazen. It's unlike anything out there and unlike anything Reiss has written before. So many times this story put me through the emotional meat grinder and punched me in the gut only to turn around and fill me with complete joy. It's emotionally devastating, psychologically intriguing, and equal parts agonizing and poignant. And it's a story that will stick with you long after you've finished it.
We've met numerous members of the Drazen family through Reiss’ other series, and here we get Fiona's story, and what a story it is. She's unapologetically sexual, an addict, and an in your face party girl with a self-destructive streak a mile wide. And she's a woman caught between two men who will go to any lengths to fight for her.
"Anyone can fuck you,” he said, fucking my mouth with his fingers. “I’m the only one who can break you.”
On one side is Deacon. Her lover, her Dom, her safe haven, and the man who owns her mind, body, and soul. He's the person who gives her boundaries and rules to ground her when she spirals out of control, and he's the man that knows how to break her down when she needs to be built back up.
On the other side is Dr. Elliot Chapman. When Fiona wakes up in a mental hospital for stabbing her boyfriend with no recollection of how or why it happened, Elliot is the therapist assigned to help her regain those memories as well as help her uncover the reasons for her self-destructive behavior. He's the man who sees beyond the bad choices and the celebutante status, and he sees her as more than just a pretty thing for men to fuck. But he's also a man who in some ways is just as lost as Fiona is, and it's through his sessions with her that Elliot has his own sort of sexual awakening when they both find themselves undeniably attracted to each other.
"I’m not too many men. I’m one man. And when I have you, Fiona, I’ll be sacrificing my career. So when I finally take you to bed, I won’t be changing my life for a little pussy. I’m changing it for a woman.”
The dynamics that Fiona has with each of these men is compelling in their own way, and even though I had a strong preference for who I thought was the right choice, I could see the value in both of them. Fiona is a character with a whole host of problems and through the first half of the book I wasn't sure who the best choice for her would be, or maybe neither of them were. Deacon is a force of nature that grounds Fiona when nothing else can, and he loves her not despite her flaws, but because of them. But does he love her the way that she needs? Is his love healthy for her or does it do more harm than good? If Deacon is a force of nature, then Elliot is the calm before the storm. He soothes her, calms her, and at the same time challenges her in ways no one else has. But is it love or lust that's driving him to her? Is she just an escape from his own disappointing life or is she worth losing everything for? Their relationship crossed so many ethical lines and maybe that's what I loved most about it, the fact that it was so forbidden and wrong in so many ways, and yet so natural that their attraction was almost inevitable. Each of them filled a void that the other needed.
It's a story that doesn't have easy answers but what makes it so remarkable is that I was so invested in Fiona as a character that, while I loved Elliot (and I love him fiercely and unabashedly), I didn't mind who she ended up with as long as she was happy in the end. Every interaction, every emotion, every word they uttered was filtered through the lense of “how does this affect Fiona?” On the surface it may seem like a triangle, but really it's Fiona’s journey from a self-described junkie sex addict undeserving of love to a person who discovers her own self worth.
“Crazy as it was, he loved me. Of all the world’s gifts, that was the greatest, and I wasn’t going to decide I didn’t deserve it. Only he could decide that, and if he said I was good enough for him, I wouldn’t argue otherwise.”
It’s a credit to Reiss as a writer that she could have me so engaged in the fate of a fictional character to the point that I agonized over it. Everything about this book was emotional, but it wasn't the flowery, purple prose kind of emotion. It was distinctly visceral and gut wrenching, and also intensely erotic. I read the first two parts of Forbidden over a year ago when it was first conceived as a serial, and I felt like I'd been holding my breath ever since waiting for the end of Fiona’s journey, and I didn't release that breath till the very last word of the epilogue. Luckily, Reiss has decided to release the entirety of Songs of Perdition as a standalone, and anyone who hasn't read it before can experience Fiona Drazen in all of her messy glory at once without the waiting, and she is totally worth it. She along with CD Reiss are truly one of a kind.
December 1, 2015
What's happening with Fiona?
FORBIDDEN will crush, devastate, and mend reader's hearts. From prologue to epilogue this story held my mind, body, and soul hostage. I will always be a prisoner to this author's words. Shocked, stunned, crazed, elated, and euphoric, I felt every emotion possible during this read. Once again, CD Reiss shows off her amazing talent with every word, every page, and every chapter. She is a poet, a master, an unbelievable talent. Reiss brings a smile to my face no matter what genre she writes in. Her characters are flawed, damaged you might say, but in the end, they get the happily ever after that they were always meant to have. The author did her readers AND her characters justice in her Perdition series. In KICK, I was AMAZED. In USE, I was STUNNED, but in FORBIDDEN, the book that ties it all together, I was FLOORED! CD Reiss knows just what to write to slay me completely. But she also knows how to bring it all together to give her readers a scorching HOT and emotionally driven ending that astounds AND satisfies.
Deacon, Elliot, Fiona. What is written in the stars for these three? Deacon has her submission. Elliot has her heart. Choices need to be made. Who will show Fiona her worth?
A story of sexy, lies, and revenge. FORBIDDEN gives the fans what they want. A sexy, gripping, and intoxicating read that will have you on pins and needles the whole through.
*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
FORBIDDEN will crush, devastate, and mend reader's hearts. From prologue to epilogue this story held my mind, body, and soul hostage. I will always be a prisoner to this author's words. Shocked, stunned, crazed, elated, and euphoric, I felt every emotion possible during this read. Once again, CD Reiss shows off her amazing talent with every word, every page, and every chapter. She is a poet, a master, an unbelievable talent. Reiss brings a smile to my face no matter what genre she writes in. Her characters are flawed, damaged you might say, but in the end, they get the happily ever after that they were always meant to have. The author did her readers AND her characters justice in her Perdition series. In KICK, I was AMAZED. In USE, I was STUNNED, but in FORBIDDEN, the book that ties it all together, I was FLOORED! CD Reiss knows just what to write to slay me completely. But she also knows how to bring it all together to give her readers a scorching HOT and emotionally driven ending that astounds AND satisfies.
Deacon, Elliot, Fiona. What is written in the stars for these three? Deacon has her submission. Elliot has her heart. Choices need to be made. Who will show Fiona her worth?
A story of sexy, lies, and revenge. FORBIDDEN gives the fans what they want. A sexy, gripping, and intoxicating read that will have you on pins and needles the whole through.
*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Read
March 7, 2016Loathed the ending [for several reasons]. No rating.
December 26, 2015
** 4-4.5 STARS **
December 19, 2015
4.5 stars
When I initially read the Songs of Perdition series, it only consisted of two books: Kick and Use. It seems like I’ve been waiting forever to find out what happened to Fiona. C.D. Reiss finally wrote the conclusion, Break, and then combined all three books into one full-length novel: Forbidden. Since I’ve already written reviews for Kick and Use, this review focuses primarily on Break.
Fiona Drazen is a celebrity whose fame lies strictly in her wealth and reputation for partying among the elite (think Paris Hilton). She’s also a sex and drug addict deeply ensconced in the BDSM lifestyle. Fiona isn’t always a likable character. She’s manipulative and uses sex for leverage. I love how determined and honest she is though, and how she owns every sordid choice she’s made without shame. Her life has now spiraled out of control though, leading her to a dark place. She’s nearing her breaking point, but she still finds the strength to confront her feelings.
While she is in treatment trying to sort through her emotional issues, two men are vying for her love—Dr. Elliot Chapman, her psychologist, and Deacon Bruce, her dominant. The two men couldn’t be more diametrically opposed. Deacon radiates power and danger, while Elliot—a pre-ordained priest turned therapist—is reserved and kind.
Throughout the series, I’ve gone back and forth trying to decide who Fiona should choose. Deacon completely understands and accepts her—flaws and all. Their dominant/submissive relationship is all she’s ever known, and they love each other deeply. In submitting to him, however, is Fiona also relinquishing her ability to redefine herself as someone other than depraved and worthless?
Heed the author’s warning. This is one of the darkest books I’ve read. The actions of the characters are difficult to fathom, and the emotions dredged up are uncomfortable to say the least. It should be noted there’s a major occurrence that’s a trigger for some people. Dark reads aren’t usually my thing, but this story captivated me and I could not put this book down.
There aren’t enough words in the English dictionary to describe how much I adore C.D. Reiss’s writing style. The fluidity of her prose is so luscious I lost count of the number of passages I highlighted. Every single scene has intention; there are no wasted words. Reiss can add Forbidden to her astonishing arsenal of impressive work. Well done.
When I initially read the Songs of Perdition series, it only consisted of two books: Kick and Use. It seems like I’ve been waiting forever to find out what happened to Fiona. C.D. Reiss finally wrote the conclusion, Break, and then combined all three books into one full-length novel: Forbidden. Since I’ve already written reviews for Kick and Use, this review focuses primarily on Break.
Fiona Drazen is a celebrity whose fame lies strictly in her wealth and reputation for partying among the elite (think Paris Hilton). She’s also a sex and drug addict deeply ensconced in the BDSM lifestyle. Fiona isn’t always a likable character. She’s manipulative and uses sex for leverage. I love how determined and honest she is though, and how she owns every sordid choice she’s made without shame. Her life has now spiraled out of control though, leading her to a dark place. She’s nearing her breaking point, but she still finds the strength to confront her feelings.
While she is in treatment trying to sort through her emotional issues, two men are vying for her love—Dr. Elliot Chapman, her psychologist, and Deacon Bruce, her dominant. The two men couldn’t be more diametrically opposed. Deacon radiates power and danger, while Elliot—a pre-ordained priest turned therapist—is reserved and kind.
Throughout the series, I’ve gone back and forth trying to decide who Fiona should choose. Deacon completely understands and accepts her—flaws and all. Their dominant/submissive relationship is all she’s ever known, and they love each other deeply. In submitting to him, however, is Fiona also relinquishing her ability to redefine herself as someone other than depraved and worthless?
“I want to be normal”Meanwhile, Elliot believes Fiona can heal the wounds of her past, take control of her life, and make a fresh start. The problem is his judgment as a therapist is clouded by the fact that he’s in love with her. He knows if he pursues her, he puts his career in jeopardy. He can’t seem to stay away from her though, despite the risk to his career—and his heart.
“Jesus Christ. You might as well want to be taller. Normal wasn’t the hand you were dealt. You and I, we’re not normal. That’s not a choice we have.”
I was going to love her brutally and unconditionally. Forever and ever, amen.With Deacon and Elliot engaged in a constant emotional tug of war over Fiona, I had to wonder if she would be better off without either man.
“You’re mine. Nothing you do will change that. Nothing he does or feels will ever change that. He’s temporary. He’s a fucking leaf falling off the tree and dying. But we, you and I, we are the forest.”Fiona herself is incredibly indecisive in Break, and at times I was frustrated by the whiplash.
Heed the author’s warning. This is one of the darkest books I’ve read. The actions of the characters are difficult to fathom, and the emotions dredged up are uncomfortable to say the least. It should be noted there’s a major occurrence that’s a trigger for some people. Dark reads aren’t usually my thing, but this story captivated me and I could not put this book down.
There aren’t enough words in the English dictionary to describe how much I adore C.D. Reiss’s writing style. The fluidity of her prose is so luscious I lost count of the number of passages I highlighted. Every single scene has intention; there are no wasted words. Reiss can add Forbidden to her astonishing arsenal of impressive work. Well done.
December 5, 2015
I have loved Fiona from the very start, something about this troubled woman speaking to my soul, much the same way CD Reiss does. No one else writes like she does. Her way with words, the characters, the plot---every time I read one of her books, I want to live in the world she creates. And she just gets better and better. This journey of Fiona's isn't easy, but I loved every single minute of it.
December 20, 2015
Fiona has her ending. I am trying to put by brain back together. I am may need a day... a week then I will write the review. Damn CD.
Thank you
Thank you
December 9, 2015
Review-Jo 4.5 stars
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I have read every book that C.D. Reiss has written to date, apart from Fiona's story so now that her story was being released in one complete novel, I grabbed the opportunity to read it. I had briefly met Fiona in both the "Songs of Submission" and the "Songs of Corruption" series, but I didn't really know much about her. I was looking forward to starting this one and getting to know Fiona Drazen a whole lot better. I absolutely loved this book and although it wasn't what I had expected, I was so happy that I took the time to read her story because she was a fantastic character . One of the many things that I have noticed about C.D. Reiss is that she always delivers when it comes to amazing heroines and Fiona was no exception. It was impossible not to fall in love with her.
As this book transported me back in time to when Jonathan and Theresa were both still young, it made me realise what a messed up family the Drazen's truly were and Fiona appeared to be the most damaged of all. I was surprised to discover all of the trauma and heartache that she had experienced and how much she was struggling with her not-so-normal life. Out of all of the Drazen's that I have met so far, Fiona was the one with the most difficult of journeys to travel. My heart broke for her many, many times throughout this story and I desperately wanted Fiona to receive the love and support she so badly needed. I was rooting for her every step of the way.
Although, I felt that this book was less of a romance than the previous series from CD Reiss, of course love did play a part. There were two main men in Fiona's story, however there was only one true hero. Between the domineering Deacon and the gorgeous Elliot, I found it extremely difficult to guess who would eventually win Fiona's heart. I changed my mind over and over again, but I firmly believe that the best man got the girl in the end. I loved both Deacon and Elliot. Deacon was the controlling alpha believing he was the only man able to meet Fiona's needs, on the other hand Elliot was completely different to other men that Fiona had been involved with, but maybe he was the perfect guy to start a new life with......a life that would hopefully lead to a happy ever after.
"Forbidden" gets 4.5 from me.
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I have read every book that C.D. Reiss has written to date, apart from Fiona's story so now that her story was being released in one complete novel, I grabbed the opportunity to read it. I had briefly met Fiona in both the "Songs of Submission" and the "Songs of Corruption" series, but I didn't really know much about her. I was looking forward to starting this one and getting to know Fiona Drazen a whole lot better. I absolutely loved this book and although it wasn't what I had expected, I was so happy that I took the time to read her story because she was a fantastic character . One of the many things that I have noticed about C.D. Reiss is that she always delivers when it comes to amazing heroines and Fiona was no exception. It was impossible not to fall in love with her.
"When you talk to yourself about yourself, I want you to try something new. I want you to use different words."
"Like?"
"Like Loyal. Strong. Trustworthy. Spirited. Brave. Selfless. Use those words Fiona. Stop lying to yourself about who you are."
As this book transported me back in time to when Jonathan and Theresa were both still young, it made me realise what a messed up family the Drazen's truly were and Fiona appeared to be the most damaged of all. I was surprised to discover all of the trauma and heartache that she had experienced and how much she was struggling with her not-so-normal life. Out of all of the Drazen's that I have met so far, Fiona was the one with the most difficult of journeys to travel. My heart broke for her many, many times throughout this story and I desperately wanted Fiona to receive the love and support she so badly needed. I was rooting for her every step of the way.
She made all the stories make sense. All the reckless, senseless, bold, beautiful, risky, irresponsible, brutal, and selfless acts I'd heard about but never understood came into focus through the lens of love. This was past wanting her.Past possessing her. Past fucking her or protecting her. How far was I willing to go?
Although, I felt that this book was less of a romance than the previous series from CD Reiss, of course love did play a part. There were two main men in Fiona's story, however there was only one true hero. Between the domineering Deacon and the gorgeous Elliot, I found it extremely difficult to guess who would eventually win Fiona's heart. I changed my mind over and over again, but I firmly believe that the best man got the girl in the end. I loved both Deacon and Elliot. Deacon was the controlling alpha believing he was the only man able to meet Fiona's needs, on the other hand Elliot was completely different to other men that Fiona had been involved with, but maybe he was the perfect guy to start a new life with......a life that would hopefully lead to a happy ever after.
"....you have this way..you open me up. You crack me open and pour me out, and all you do is look at me. So you need to stop looking at me, because it just makes me love you more."I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Forbidden", but my favourite part came as I reached the end. The epilogue may just be the most favourite that I have ever read. As soon as I began reading it, I became overcome with emotion . It was so beautiful that I felt my heart was about to burst. If you have read both Jonathan and Theresa's books, you are going to fall crazy in love with this epilogue. Once again, C.D. Reiss has written another stunning and captivating novel that kept me engrossed from start to finish. It was fantastically written with points of view from all three of the main characters, which I loved. This story can be read as a standalone so there's no need to worry if you have not read the previous series, however I highly recommend that you read them too. In my opinion they are a must read.
By our willingness to sacrifice for one another, we were joined by the ropes of our love and held fast by the knots of our hearts.
"Forbidden" gets 4.5 from me.
December 2, 2015
5 Forbidden Stars
To say that I have been waiting for this last novel in the Perdition Series is not telling any of you anything new. Let me first start by me bowing to the Queen, C.D. Reiss. You know what she did for you readers? Well if you did not have a chance to read Kick or Use, she added them to Forbidden. Ok let me explain. Break is the last book/novella, but many of you have not read Kick or Use so the author made a big standalone called Forbidden, but you will note she broke them up into sections. Make sense? So lucky for you new readers to this series that you can read all this goodness as one big standalone. Also, if you are a new reader to C.D. Reiss, you need to add Songs of Submission and Songs of Corruption to your TBR list. Songs of Submission is where I fell in love with Ms. Reiss’ writing. In Songs of Submission, Fiona was briefly mentioned here and there, I was so intrigued by her that when I knew she was getting her own series, I could not wait to read all her craziness.
Team Elliott or Team Deacon? I wasn’t a fan of Deacon, at all! But he was warming my cold heart towards him in Break, just a little. I could understand more about Fiona’s appeal towards Deacon. Then there’s Elliot, holy hell do I love me some Elliot. That man and his words and Fiona’s responses:, “How often do you wake up wet?” “Whenever you tell me to get on my knees.” Keep a look out at 80% is all I am saying. I will say this, his therapy sessions did help Fiona out, like big time. And can I mention Debbie for a quick second, damn that woman, I want to be BFFs with Debbie. Ok back to Fiona for a minute, I loved how mature she became in Break. She is so kickass and awesome. Fiona is not your typical book heroine and that is why I love her so much.
Listen, I could go on and on, but you all need to one-click this series and get the feels just like Rachel and I have the feels. I loved how C.D. Reiss ended this series, pure perfection. I have read other series where the final book was just ok, but here Ms. Reiss gave me all that I needed. My heart raced, I had tears and most of all I had smiles. If you can evoke all these emotions in one read, I am going to be a fan.
*An ARC was provided for an honest review.
February 16, 2016
Raw and real...my first CD Reiss book, but definitely not my last!!! Fantastic. But not for the faint of heart! CD doesn't sugarcoat and I'm glad she didn't!
If you can handle real, raw, and suspenseful...this is the book for you!
If you can handle real, raw, and suspenseful...this is the book for you!
July 18, 2019
This is Fiona Drazen story, being a Drazen with their trademark red hair, is like being a star and especially Fiona she was always in the tabloids a mess, a wild irresponsible party girl with dark desires, she was beautiful girl that needed to submit to keep her deep desires under control and only 1 man could keep their desires under control the man she called Master. That is until she ended up as my patient.
The Drazen's all have stories and they all had problems. Being insanely rich don't solve any problems just create more. Declan Drazen was demanding put lots of pressure for being a Drazen on his children all are interesting and you began to understand each of them when you read their story.
Margie - Sacred Sin series
Theresa - The Corruption Series
Carrie - Pretty Scars
Fiona - Forbidden
Jonathan - The Submission series
The Drazen's all have stories and they all had problems. Being insanely rich don't solve any problems just create more. Declan Drazen was demanding put lots of pressure for being a Drazen on his children all are interesting and you began to understand each of them when you read their story.
Margie - Sacred Sin series
Theresa - The Corruption Series
Carrie - Pretty Scars
Fiona - Forbidden
Jonathan - The Submission series
May 20, 2021
What a mess...
Trigger warnings for detailed sexual assault,mental illness,more sexual assaults,excessive drug use,even more non-consensual sex scenes,incest element (dad getting a boner after catching his teenage daughter masturbating), sex addiction left untreated,the heroine fingering her brother’s TEENAGE girlfriend just because, heroine partying and getting high while she’s pregnant (to be fair she didn’t know her abusive master had knocked her up when she was snorting coke off some other abusive guy’s dick
Also most of this book is just the sex addict describing her endless meaningless sex with people.I’d like to add that I’ve read the Addicted series in which the heroine is also a sex addict and the difference is crazy.I can’t believe I’m even comparing Lily Calloway to such a pale meaningless character like Fiona whatever’s her last name.
Also a note to CD Reiss, Sweetie when you bring elements like addiction, mental illness and death of a best friend you have to show some...development,don’t you think?
Trigger warnings for detailed sexual assault,mental illness,more sexual assaults,excessive drug use,even more non-consensual sex scenes,incest element (dad getting a boner after catching his teenage daughter masturbating), sex addiction left untreated,the heroine fingering her brother’s TEENAGE girlfriend just because, heroine partying and getting high while she’s pregnant (to be fair she didn’t know her abusive master had knocked her up when she was snorting coke off some other abusive guy’s dick
Also most of this book is just the sex addict describing her endless meaningless sex with people.I’d like to add that I’ve read the Addicted series in which the heroine is also a sex addict and the difference is crazy.I can’t believe I’m even comparing Lily Calloway to such a pale meaningless character like Fiona whatever’s her last name.
Also a note to CD Reiss, Sweetie when you bring elements like addiction, mental illness and death of a best friend you have to show some...development,don’t you think?
December 3, 2015
So being a huge fan of CD Reiss, and especially Fiona Drazen. I had to read Forbidden.
Forbidden is all 3 parts of Songs of Perdition, but put into one continuous book.
I had already read Kick and Use, and was biting at the bit to get the Break, the final part in Fiona's story. It was a long wait, but more than worth it.
As it had been a while since I had read Use, I decided to read Forbidden in it's entirety, and refresh myself on the full story. I'm so glad I did, as I loved every minute of it, all over again.
I'm going to link in my individual reviews of all 3 parts, as I've already reviewed them all that way, so you can read in detail about each one. But I will give a round up, and say a little about this book, in case you have never met Fiona Drazen.
If this is a series/story that you have not come across as yet, you are really lucky!! You get to start from the beginning and get the whole lot in one go. This story is so incredibly gripping, you wouldn't be able to stop even if you wanted to.
Fiona Drazen is one of 8 kids in a crazy mess of a family. Fiona is the Celebutante of the family. Making a life out of being seen for what she is; a crazy, fun loving, party girl. She has zero boundaries, and no regrets. She does whatever she wants, whenever she wants, to chase the ultimate high. She is absolutely gorgeous, with her waif like model figure, and trademark Drazen auburn hair. Everyone wants to be her, or be inside her. But she has just about reached her limit.
Fiona wakes up in a institute for the insanely rich, trust fund babies of glam America. She has done something this time, that she can't shrug off, she can't pop another pill and ignore this. But she also doesn't remember it. So begins her time at Westonwood, in amongst some of the most messed up kids of her generation. She is going to find out a lot of truths about herself, and some she does not want to hear. But is this going to wake her up finally and see that things need to change.
Forbidden was originally 2 novellas, then a full length final part. The first 2 parts were literally full on action from start to finish. Quick, shocking reads, that literally glued your eyes to the page. They were followed by Break, a full length novel, a bit more slower in pace, but no less gripping or addictive.
Putting all 3 together in Forbidden has made this one intense, long story. But it's incredibly good. It's hard to believe this story is finished now, it's left me feeling all weird and sad. I waited so long to find out what happened to Fiona, once she left the institute and hit real life again, and now it's all over. I actually envy those who are going into Forbidden with no knowledge of this series, so they get to experience Fiona, gorgeous Deacon, and addictive Elliot from the start.
This story is at times very dark, it will include all the nasty realities of the world. The sex is off the walls intense, and filthy dirty. Everything that should be included in a warning is possibly present in this book, but that's what makes this story so amazing good and addictive. It also helps that CD Reiss has a writing style unlike any other, she is sheer genius and possibly a research extraordinaire, some of the content in this book is pretty awesome, bad but awesome, and definitely makes you wonder. But that seems to be her consistent thing, in all her books, and why she is one of my favourite authors now.
Anyway, long winded ramble aside, this is most definitely a recommended read, and one of my favourites of 2015. A must, must 1 click.
KICK(#1) Review
USE(#2) Review
BREAK(#3) Review
**I was given a copy of Forbidden, in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews & Dark Seraph Book Blog
Forbidden is all 3 parts of Songs of Perdition, but put into one continuous book.
I had already read Kick and Use, and was biting at the bit to get the Break, the final part in Fiona's story. It was a long wait, but more than worth it.
As it had been a while since I had read Use, I decided to read Forbidden in it's entirety, and refresh myself on the full story. I'm so glad I did, as I loved every minute of it, all over again.
I'm going to link in my individual reviews of all 3 parts, as I've already reviewed them all that way, so you can read in detail about each one. But I will give a round up, and say a little about this book, in case you have never met Fiona Drazen.
If this is a series/story that you have not come across as yet, you are really lucky!! You get to start from the beginning and get the whole lot in one go. This story is so incredibly gripping, you wouldn't be able to stop even if you wanted to.
Fiona Drazen is one of 8 kids in a crazy mess of a family. Fiona is the Celebutante of the family. Making a life out of being seen for what she is; a crazy, fun loving, party girl. She has zero boundaries, and no regrets. She does whatever she wants, whenever she wants, to chase the ultimate high. She is absolutely gorgeous, with her waif like model figure, and trademark Drazen auburn hair. Everyone wants to be her, or be inside her. But she has just about reached her limit.
Fiona wakes up in a institute for the insanely rich, trust fund babies of glam America. She has done something this time, that she can't shrug off, she can't pop another pill and ignore this. But she also doesn't remember it. So begins her time at Westonwood, in amongst some of the most messed up kids of her generation. She is going to find out a lot of truths about herself, and some she does not want to hear. But is this going to wake her up finally and see that things need to change.
Forbidden was originally 2 novellas, then a full length final part. The first 2 parts were literally full on action from start to finish. Quick, shocking reads, that literally glued your eyes to the page. They were followed by Break, a full length novel, a bit more slower in pace, but no less gripping or addictive.
Putting all 3 together in Forbidden has made this one intense, long story. But it's incredibly good. It's hard to believe this story is finished now, it's left me feeling all weird and sad. I waited so long to find out what happened to Fiona, once she left the institute and hit real life again, and now it's all over. I actually envy those who are going into Forbidden with no knowledge of this series, so they get to experience Fiona, gorgeous Deacon, and addictive Elliot from the start.
This story is at times very dark, it will include all the nasty realities of the world. The sex is off the walls intense, and filthy dirty. Everything that should be included in a warning is possibly present in this book, but that's what makes this story so amazing good and addictive. It also helps that CD Reiss has a writing style unlike any other, she is sheer genius and possibly a research extraordinaire, some of the content in this book is pretty awesome, bad but awesome, and definitely makes you wonder. But that seems to be her consistent thing, in all her books, and why she is one of my favourite authors now.
Anyway, long winded ramble aside, this is most definitely a recommended read, and one of my favourites of 2015. A must, must 1 click.
KICK(#1) Review
USE(#2) Review
BREAK(#3) Review
**I was given a copy of Forbidden, in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews & Dark Seraph Book Blog
June 22, 2017
Fiona Drazen is a chaotic, but beautiful mess. She is a cyclone of addiction, boundless sexual appetites, celebutante fame, and money. Normally her family name is enough to shield her from the consequences mortals contend with, except this time someone besides herself was hurt. The Drazen name could only divert her to an exclusive mental institution instead of the jail cell most people would find themselves under the same circumstances.
The Good:
1. Fans of C.D. Reiss' other works might recognize the Drazen name. Fiona is the sister of Jonathon from the "Songs Of Submission"
, and Theresa from "Corruption"
series. It is set in the past, Jonathan is still a teenager. Right around the time, the big secret of his series takes place. He shows up here, interacts without taking away from the main show. 
At the same time a reader gets an unvarnished look at an elite family’s dynamics in depravity, and wealth.
2. Fiona is such a complicated character. Despite her being the embodiment of so many personality peeves, found myself sucked into her story. That speaks to the writing. The key for me was her self-awareness of her flaws without bogging this reader down with too much personal negativity aka whining.
3. Unlike others a good triangle never bothers me. In one corner we have Master Deacon, the template for the BDSM alpha of many erotica readers’ dreams. On the other side there is Elliot, who also happens to be her therapist. Both of them are equally f*cked up, and perfect.
4. The sexuality explored in this is dark, out the box, and not for those seeking anything sweet. One of Fiona's main addictions is sex, and you get a very raw look of what that actually means. It was uncomfortable at times, but felt extremely real.
The Bad:
1. C.D. Reiss' other books fit more firmly under the romantic erotica umbrella. This not so much. Erotica unbothered with pretty packaging. This will not appeal to everyone.
2. Expect to be triggered in some way by this. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Final Thoughts:
Kind of don't know what I just read because it has me so punch drunk. I can't believe this writer created something featuring so many of my personal hell-nos, yet loved it. This is one that will stay with me for a minute.
December 1, 2015
Wow, just wow.
Fiona Drazen is a mess, really,you can see it from where she is and how she lives her life.
What I can't wait to find out is what happens once she goes back to her life and with a certain someone.
There's nothing like a CD Reiss' book. I don't even have words to express how I feel and I'll probably never be able to. Use is full of secrets and pain and so many different emotions. I felt it all and the best part is..I want so much more. For every answer I get a new question arise. Fiona delves into her past again to try and find out what happened that night with Deacon, but other situations come into play with her friends and family as well.
I'm not talking about the story, you have to read and find out what happens, but it's raw and dark, edgy and sometimes painful.There are Fiona, other members of the Drazen family and of course Deacon and Elliot.
In Break We find Fiona just out of rehab..She has more choices to make than she thought possible but one thing sure is that she want to find out who she is and she needs to do that herself..She might make mistakes but at least she is trying right?
Two men wants her and how is she supposed to decide?hard choice..Both give her something she needs..or do they? She has a lot of thinking to do..And in the middle of all this she has a couple of situations going on that truly needs her attention.
That's where I stop cause you need to read the book!
Let me say I was ecstatic to see Jonathan and Margie and other members of the Drazen family..I was even more happy of how the story turned out because Fiona deserved everything..And I might have squealed at something in particular.
I loved reading Fiona, Deacon and Elliot povs because it gives us an in in what's going on in their mind instead of only trying to understand from what they say or how they behave in a certain moment.
A great story! Both Deacon and Elliott showed sides we never saw before and Fiona had a vulnerability and a the sane time a strength, a determination, I wasn’t sure she had.
At the end of the story I was sure it was the perfect path for Fiona!
Fiona Drazen is a mess, really,you can see it from where she is and how she lives her life.
What I can't wait to find out is what happens once she goes back to her life and with a certain someone.
There's nothing like a CD Reiss' book. I don't even have words to express how I feel and I'll probably never be able to. Use is full of secrets and pain and so many different emotions. I felt it all and the best part is..I want so much more. For every answer I get a new question arise. Fiona delves into her past again to try and find out what happened that night with Deacon, but other situations come into play with her friends and family as well.
I'm not talking about the story, you have to read and find out what happens, but it's raw and dark, edgy and sometimes painful.There are Fiona, other members of the Drazen family and of course Deacon and Elliot.
In Break We find Fiona just out of rehab..She has more choices to make than she thought possible but one thing sure is that she want to find out who she is and she needs to do that herself..She might make mistakes but at least she is trying right?
Two men wants her and how is she supposed to decide?hard choice..Both give her something she needs..or do they? She has a lot of thinking to do..And in the middle of all this she has a couple of situations going on that truly needs her attention.
That's where I stop cause you need to read the book!
Let me say I was ecstatic to see Jonathan and Margie and other members of the Drazen family..I was even more happy of how the story turned out because Fiona deserved everything..And I might have squealed at something in particular.
I loved reading Fiona, Deacon and Elliot povs because it gives us an in in what's going on in their mind instead of only trying to understand from what they say or how they behave in a certain moment.
A great story! Both Deacon and Elliott showed sides we never saw before and Fiona had a vulnerability and a the sane time a strength, a determination, I wasn’t sure she had.
At the end of the story I was sure it was the perfect path for Fiona!
January 16, 2016
Forbidden is the bundled version of CD Reiss’ Perdition series. I started the series when it was initially published. The series was to contain three statements: Kick, Use, Break. Lucky you—the series is now published in its entirety as a standalone novel!
Kick is the first part of Forbidden, and it excellently sets up the story and frames the main characters. Our favorite red-headed party girl wakes in a prestigious psych hospital with no memory of what happened the night she stabbed her boyfriend. She is raw, crass, vulnerable, feral, and scared.
The plot felt thick and sluggish like Fiona coming out of her drug and alcohol haze. Much of the novella involves Fiona recalling things of her near and distant past as she begins her psych evaluation and therapy. C.D. Reiss’ characters are intense, wicked, and misguided; the setting is claustrophobic and confining. Readers easily become Fiona's inmates instead of her observers.
Use is the second part of Forbidden. It is just as incredible as Kick. The research and detail that goes into her writing makes her stories more vivid and realistic.
Use is raw and edgy. Flashbacks, hypnosis and returned memories are very interesting tools for telling this tale. The pace of the book is frenetic and hot. At times I felt as embroiled in the manic emotions of the Westonwood patients as they were.
The conclusion of Forbidden is titled Break. Fiona is like a paint splatter on a Jackson Pollock painting. She was raw before she entered Westonwood, and the atrocities she encounters while under their care have left her utterly broken. Her edges are frayed. Fiona’s self-hatred is brazenly apparent. Her feelings of unworthiness have driven every decision she has made in the past. Will she let continue to see herself in the same way or will she take the advice of Dr. Elliot Chapman and find a new way to describe herself?
Fiona is a white-hot mess. Her emotional baggage is weighing her down and the tide is rising. Her vulnerability and her inner spirit make her attractive to both her hot psychiatrist and her gorgeous long-time dom/boyfriend. Both of these men want Fiona to get better, but the path they think she needs to take is wildly different.
The men in Fiona’s life are complete opposites. Deacon, Fiona’s longtime Dom/boyfriend, is dark and brooding. He is not a man to be crossed. He is handsome, confident, and ruthless. He loves Fiona deeply and sees it as his responsibility to keep her on track and out of trouble. He’s the sort of man that readers should want Fiona to be done with, but I found his strength and his dedication to Fiona quite appealing.
“I don’t know what I care about besides you."
Elliot Chapman gave up his planned career in the seminary to become a therapist. His compassion for people, his sexual fantasies, and Fiona’s wantonness push him into an untenable and unethical situation. He wants to help her get better. He wants her to see her self-worth and make positive changes in her life. He wants to participate in the sexual kink that Fiona describes in their sessions. Elliot first appears as Fiona’s guardian angel, but I felt like his fantasies about his patient to be just as selfish as Deacon’s method for helping Fiona.
“How far was I willing to go?”
Ultimately, Fiona is the heroine, as it should be, and she finds a new path.
“I was loved by a team of smart, screwed, comically-inclined vigilantes. But I was loved."
I loved how masterfully C.D. Reiss weaves in details of her other books into each of her stories about the large and obscenely wealthy Drazen family. Forbidden takes place (or at least starts off) about sixteen years prior to the Songs of Submission series, while the Songs of Corruption series takes place concurrent to the Songs of Submission series. In each series, various Drazen family members have roles, and each of the series has beamed the spotlight on one of the siblings. I love Margie Drazen—the family fixer—she loves her siblings deeply and will do absolutely anything for them.
I was surprised by so many things in the conclusion of Forbidden. The role Debbie plays in Fiona’s life (we’re first introduced to Debbie in the Songs of Submission series) was not at all expected; I was blown away! I anticipated that both Deacon and Elliot would “fight” over Fiona, and I was dumbfounded by the resolution. It was not at all what I anticipated. Whether I expected plot points or was shocked by them, each page had me riveted and my heart pounding.
Forbidden can be a tough read. The mature, dark content will not appeal to some, but if you read this story more as a woman’s journey away from a self-destructive life, you’ll appreciate the glorious, rich details and character development CD Reiss’ intricate storytelling.
Visit the Book Junkie Reviews blog for more recommendations: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Kick is the first part of Forbidden, and it excellently sets up the story and frames the main characters. Our favorite red-headed party girl wakes in a prestigious psych hospital with no memory of what happened the night she stabbed her boyfriend. She is raw, crass, vulnerable, feral, and scared.
The plot felt thick and sluggish like Fiona coming out of her drug and alcohol haze. Much of the novella involves Fiona recalling things of her near and distant past as she begins her psych evaluation and therapy. C.D. Reiss’ characters are intense, wicked, and misguided; the setting is claustrophobic and confining. Readers easily become Fiona's inmates instead of her observers.
Use is the second part of Forbidden. It is just as incredible as Kick. The research and detail that goes into her writing makes her stories more vivid and realistic.
Use is raw and edgy. Flashbacks, hypnosis and returned memories are very interesting tools for telling this tale. The pace of the book is frenetic and hot. At times I felt as embroiled in the manic emotions of the Westonwood patients as they were.
The conclusion of Forbidden is titled Break. Fiona is like a paint splatter on a Jackson Pollock painting. She was raw before she entered Westonwood, and the atrocities she encounters while under their care have left her utterly broken. Her edges are frayed. Fiona’s self-hatred is brazenly apparent. Her feelings of unworthiness have driven every decision she has made in the past. Will she let continue to see herself in the same way or will she take the advice of Dr. Elliot Chapman and find a new way to describe herself?
Fiona is a white-hot mess. Her emotional baggage is weighing her down and the tide is rising. Her vulnerability and her inner spirit make her attractive to both her hot psychiatrist and her gorgeous long-time dom/boyfriend. Both of these men want Fiona to get better, but the path they think she needs to take is wildly different.
The men in Fiona’s life are complete opposites. Deacon, Fiona’s longtime Dom/boyfriend, is dark and brooding. He is not a man to be crossed. He is handsome, confident, and ruthless. He loves Fiona deeply and sees it as his responsibility to keep her on track and out of trouble. He’s the sort of man that readers should want Fiona to be done with, but I found his strength and his dedication to Fiona quite appealing.
“I don’t know what I care about besides you."
Elliot Chapman gave up his planned career in the seminary to become a therapist. His compassion for people, his sexual fantasies, and Fiona’s wantonness push him into an untenable and unethical situation. He wants to help her get better. He wants her to see her self-worth and make positive changes in her life. He wants to participate in the sexual kink that Fiona describes in their sessions. Elliot first appears as Fiona’s guardian angel, but I felt like his fantasies about his patient to be just as selfish as Deacon’s method for helping Fiona.
“How far was I willing to go?”
Ultimately, Fiona is the heroine, as it should be, and she finds a new path.
“I was loved by a team of smart, screwed, comically-inclined vigilantes. But I was loved."
I loved how masterfully C.D. Reiss weaves in details of her other books into each of her stories about the large and obscenely wealthy Drazen family. Forbidden takes place (or at least starts off) about sixteen years prior to the Songs of Submission series, while the Songs of Corruption series takes place concurrent to the Songs of Submission series. In each series, various Drazen family members have roles, and each of the series has beamed the spotlight on one of the siblings. I love Margie Drazen—the family fixer—she loves her siblings deeply and will do absolutely anything for them.
I was surprised by so many things in the conclusion of Forbidden. The role Debbie plays in Fiona’s life (we’re first introduced to Debbie in the Songs of Submission series) was not at all expected; I was blown away! I anticipated that both Deacon and Elliot would “fight” over Fiona, and I was dumbfounded by the resolution. It was not at all what I anticipated. Whether I expected plot points or was shocked by them, each page had me riveted and my heart pounding.
Forbidden can be a tough read. The mature, dark content will not appeal to some, but if you read this story more as a woman’s journey away from a self-destructive life, you’ll appreciate the glorious, rich details and character development CD Reiss’ intricate storytelling.
Visit the Book Junkie Reviews blog for more recommendations: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
May 10, 2016
5 -I'm worthy - stars
Forbidden by CD Reiss is a standalone consisting of three parts:
1. Kick
2. Use
3. Break
Once again CD provided a deep story of a strong, open-minded and sexy as hell woman. I stated earlier that I admire CD's heroines. They are strong, independent women who don't want to be left outside but prefer to stand for themselves.
Fiona Drazen is my most favourite CD's female heroine. Being a kick-ass sex and drug addict, she founds inner strength to reborn from flames and become even stronger.
It's a story of everything. Of finding yourself when all is lost. Of building your life anew from scratches. Of love and sacrifice. It's just pure life itself.
The story starts in the mental hospital where Fiona finds herself after waking up. She doesn't remember what happened. The sexy doctor tells her that she tried to kill her lover. But how could she do it with her Master? She knows her life is a mess, she feels dirty and unworthy. But there in that looney bin new Fiona is born.
Fiona Drazen - a rich heiress to Drazen dynasty. Never cared for a thing in her life. Alcohol, sex, drugs, repeat. But it's just a facade which hides a powerful strong and beautiful woman.
Deacon Bruce - Dom, sexy as well businessman, dangerous and intimidating. Fiona is his and being her Master he isn't going to leave her easily.
Elliot - a doctor at the mental institution. Sweet and kind. Simple and loving. He can show Fiona another life. But is she ready for it?
I loved this story. I loved meeting the Drazens. Each CD Reiss' new book about them gives us new insight into their personalities, new thoughts. I began to sympathize with some and better understand others. I'm just addicted to her books and look forward to her new releases.
Forbidden by CD Reiss is a standalone consisting of three parts:
1. Kick
2. Use
3. Break
Once again CD provided a deep story of a strong, open-minded and sexy as hell woman. I stated earlier that I admire CD's heroines. They are strong, independent women who don't want to be left outside but prefer to stand for themselves.
Fiona Drazen is my most favourite CD's female heroine. Being a kick-ass sex and drug addict, she founds inner strength to reborn from flames and become even stronger.
It's a story of everything. Of finding yourself when all is lost. Of building your life anew from scratches. Of love and sacrifice. It's just pure life itself.
The story starts in the mental hospital where Fiona finds herself after waking up. She doesn't remember what happened. The sexy doctor tells her that she tried to kill her lover. But how could she do it with her Master? She knows her life is a mess, she feels dirty and unworthy. But there in that looney bin new Fiona is born.
Fiona Drazen - a rich heiress to Drazen dynasty. Never cared for a thing in her life. Alcohol, sex, drugs, repeat. But it's just a facade which hides a powerful strong and beautiful woman.
"I wasn't prepared for pain. Wasn't raised for it. And it hurt. Everything hurt."
Deacon Bruce - Dom, sexy as well businessman, dangerous and intimidating. Fiona is his and being her Master he isn't going to leave her easily.
"You never needed to be saved. You only ever needed to be broken."
Elliot - a doctor at the mental institution. Sweet and kind. Simple and loving. He can show Fiona another life. But is she ready for it?
It was doomed to end over something. Old age. Exhaustion. Death. Might as well be love."
I loved this story. I loved meeting the Drazens. Each CD Reiss' new book about them gives us new insight into their personalities, new thoughts. I began to sympathize with some and better understand others. I'm just addicted to her books and look forward to her new releases.
"We were connected. All of us. By our intentions, our actions, our loyalties."
Want to read
May 14, 2017For the Canary ARC Giveaway!!
Review for KICK
I am not going to go into any detail about this book because if any of you have read C.D., then you'll know what I'm talking about.
This series focuses on Fiona Drazen (sister to Jonathan)and I swear, I don't even know how to describe her;
she DEFINITELY has her issues and then some.
What I love most about this book is the fact that C.D. WROTE IT ;p but also how she keeps you thoroughly transfixed to each and every page.
There is something hypnotic in the way she writes; it gives you this euphoric feeling.
I don't know what else to say; I'm speechless really.
C.D., you definitely have me hooked;
Only thing now is to get my hands on the next book
Review for USE
****5 billion stars****
I SWEAR, I have NO words for this kind of brilliance!!
I have to absorbe this, I can`t ... I`m not ... words are failing me....
READ THIS SERIES NOW!!!!!!!
Review for KICK
I am not going to go into any detail about this book because if any of you have read C.D., then you'll know what I'm talking about.
This series focuses on Fiona Drazen (sister to Jonathan)and I swear, I don't even know how to describe her;
she DEFINITELY has her issues and then some.
What I love most about this book is the fact that C.D. WROTE IT ;p but also how she keeps you thoroughly transfixed to each and every page.
There is something hypnotic in the way she writes; it gives you this euphoric feeling.
I don't know what else to say; I'm speechless really.
C.D., you definitely have me hooked;
Only thing now is to get my hands on the next book
Review for USE
****5 billion stars****
I SWEAR, I have NO words for this kind of brilliance!!
I have to absorbe this, I can`t ... I`m not ... words are failing me....
READ THIS SERIES NOW!!!!!!!
December 2, 2015
Short and simple. My review is mostly based on Break. New readers you're so lucky you get it as a standalone and didn't have to die waiting for The End. I did re-read from the beginning and appreciated the story even more because this time I didn't have to go back to the story and try and remember what had happened.
***May contain SPOILERS***
Fionna is one of my favorite heroines but she's also related to a family I've grown to love because of its diverse characters. The Drazen Family.
All I ever wanted was for Fionna to be healthy and happy. I never wanted her with Deacon because I felt he needed her broken in order to help her. She was his little fuck doll and while all those scenes were hot and Deacon was her Master and who she ran to and needed, he was never the right choice for her. Many of you can say Elliott was to soft for her. I'm sure this book proved you wrong. He brought out in her what she always needed. To see herself worthy. Worthy of living, worthy of being loved. It didn't matter to me who she ended up with, ok lying, but I knew at the end she would make the right choice. At least I was praying the author didn't kill her or anything like that. Fionna's self destruction had me believing at one point she wasn't going to feel worthy for either man and would take her own life. But I also knew her family wouldn't have allowed that. At the end of the day, even as messed up as they are, their bond is unbroken.
As you read her story please be aware addiction comes in many forms and Fi has many of them. Calling her names is out of character unless you know what she's going through. There's one thing I believe saves all Drazens and its love. Love Fionna first and you will learn to appreciate her story.
Happy Readings!!!!
*An arc was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
***May contain SPOILERS***
Fionna is one of my favorite heroines but she's also related to a family I've grown to love because of its diverse characters. The Drazen Family.
All I ever wanted was for Fionna to be healthy and happy. I never wanted her with Deacon because I felt he needed her broken in order to help her. She was his little fuck doll and while all those scenes were hot and Deacon was her Master and who she ran to and needed, he was never the right choice for her. Many of you can say Elliott was to soft for her. I'm sure this book proved you wrong. He brought out in her what she always needed. To see herself worthy. Worthy of living, worthy of being loved. It didn't matter to me who she ended up with, ok lying, but I knew at the end she would make the right choice. At least I was praying the author didn't kill her or anything like that. Fionna's self destruction had me believing at one point she wasn't going to feel worthy for either man and would take her own life. But I also knew her family wouldn't have allowed that. At the end of the day, even as messed up as they are, their bond is unbroken.
As you read her story please be aware addiction comes in many forms and Fi has many of them. Calling her names is out of character unless you know what she's going through. There's one thing I believe saves all Drazens and its love. Love Fionna first and you will learn to appreciate her story.
Happy Readings!!!!
*An arc was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
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